Daily Jolt: Valentine sells out coaching staff

Perhaps setting the stage for going down with some fight, Bobby Valentine made his final scheduled local radio appearance of the Red Sox season. [Valentine] said he was undermined by his coaching staff throughout the season. Asked by Glenn Ordway if he felt the Red Sox' coaching staff and those around him have been loyal to him during the course of the season, Valentine responded, "No." Asked why, Valentine said, "You asked me what I feel. That's what I feel." Ordway then followed up by asking if he felt he was undermined by them, to which Valentine responded "Yes." Asked why, Valentine again said, "[It's] just what I feel." Valentine didn't blame the organization for the picking of his coaches. (WEEI.com)Comment

While sympathizers might reasonably call them explanations, critics -- many of whom are now in Buffalo -- see Mario Williams offering excuses. [One] thing you can count on is an endless trail of complaints about nagging injuries. This year, it's his left wrist. Coach Chan Gailey mentioned the wrist before the opener. Williams confirmed it then. Evidently it's still an issue. Williams mentioned it several times Wednesday. ... Mario's wrist hasn't been on the injury report all season. He said that's because he plays and hasn't missed practice. That's true. Are we supposed to believe that a mild wrist sprain is the reason for his early struggles? "Only he can answer that," [Chan Gailey] said. (The Buffalo News)Comment

Earlier this week, Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien addressed the possible struggles he could face while recruiting over the next few years, and he revealed some of his plans for addressing the challenge. "That's a strategy we're talking about every day," he said. O'Brien said that at each home game so far this year about 40 to 50 recruits have visited. In the same vein he explained to his players this summer, he says he explains to recruits about how Beaver Stadium provides an environment and attendance few stadiums could match. O'Brien has also started inviting NFL scouts to practices. ... O'Brien acknowledged recruiting would not be easy but tries to focus on the parts of the program he can showcase. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)Comment

Must-See Photo

Astros second baseman Tyler Greene throws to first baseman Brett Wallace after fielding a bunt by the Cubs' Tony Campana during the ninth inning of Wednesday's game. (AP)

Must-See Video

Teddy finally won the Washington Nationals' Presidents Race on Wednesday -- only to be disqualified on a technicality.

Game To Watch

The Cardinals looks to extend their charmed start against the Rams, 8:20 p.m. ET